(CNS): Facing a full complement of ‘United Democratic Party ties’ around members’ necks on Wednesday, Alden McLaughlin recognised that his ‘no confidence’ motion in the current government was doomed to failure even before it began. But undeterred the opposition leader pointed out that this was a line for all government members across which they could not return if they voted against his motion. Once they had offered their support for the premier, none of them could later make excuses to the people of Cayman about not supporting all the actions of the party leader – no matter what they were — when their constituents complained. (Photo Dennie Warren Jr)

McLaughlin said their decision at the end of the debate to not support his motion would draw a line on any future hopes of distancing themselves from the leader of the UDP. “The line will have been drawn when this vote is taken and the country will be under no illusion that each and every government member supports the premier,” he said. In future, he warned, there would be no more room for quiet discussions with voters, saying that they didn’t really support everything the premier did but “what could they do” as he said everyone would know where they all stood.

Making it clear that he was well aware that the opposition had no hope, even with the support of the independent member, of garnering the necessary two thirds majority required for a no confidence vote to pass, he said the motion served a wider purpose.

As well as making it clear to the people of Cayman that all of the government members of the Legislative Assembly were totally behind the premier in every decision he had made, the motion would hopefully help to provide the people with some answers.

He said it was an opportunity for the premier to tell the people that the opposition was wrong to be concerned about the many issues listed in the motion, as well as others that have since come to light and the government’s stewardship of the country. He said it provided them with the chance to explain the various issues and say why the people should still have confidence in the premier and the UDP to manage the country.

Preparing for the rejection of his motion, the opposition leader noted that all of the members on the government bench were “political animals”, and while some were greater political veterans than others, they were all well aware of the mood of the people and understood the current public sentiment. Pointing to polls in the media, all of which were overwhelmingly against the premier, the opposition leader said that there were “major issues about the way the affairs of the country” were being managed and they would all have to answer to their constituents.

He added that it was up to each of them to search their own conscience, and given the facts, could they all look their constituents in the eye and say, “I have confidence in this government and we are giving the country the best possible stewardship,” the opposition leader warned.

Having read his motion, which was originally filed over four months ago, that included some 24 points of concern, McLaughlin pointed out that with the passage of time some had been withdrawn or addressed through other means but many were still of great concern.

The opposition leader went on to talk about crime and the Cohen & Co deal, and attempted to address the investigation into the premier for “financial irregularities” but was cut short on several occasions by the Speaker.

The Speaker persistently pulled up the opposition leader on the subject and despite comments from the governor confirming that there is a police probe into the premier regarding financial irregularities, she said it should not be described as a criminal investigation. McLaughlin said he did not know of any other type of investigations other than criminal ones that were undertaken by the police but he agreed not to use the word criminal.

Check back to CNS throughout this week for more coverage from the no confidence motion and other business from the Legislative Assembly.

Comments (90)

I volunteer to start this referendum, so what is needed? Are there enough electors and voters that would support this referendum if it got started?

According to the Elections Office website, there are currently 15,187 voters, and by district there are only the following amount that we would need to focus on to support this referendum:

George Town – 5,920
West Bay – 3,694
Bodden Town – 3,458
Sister Islands – 969
East End – 584
North Side – 562.

I am a registered voter in West Bay, but I am still reeling from the unceremonious treatment and being ignored by our elected officials that we just don't expect in a civilised society. Since it appears that there would be huge support for this referendum because he is not keeping the general public informed of what is happening and is basically treating us voters like garbage, my priority right now is to find out if this will not be a futile task to embark on.

According to Section 69-70 of the Constitution, it states that on questions of national importance and whereby the United Kingdom does not object to a local referendum taking place on the issue, "To encourage public participation in governance and politics, the electorate is able to trigger a referendum by presenting to Cabinet a petition signed by 25% of the voting public."

So, of the 15,187 voters, the Cayman Islands would only need 3,797 voters to remove McKeeva from office.

Alden, I believe that your No Confidence Motion was NOT in vain, because in a true democratic country, your motion established dialogue amongst the people when you were asking questions of national importance. Unfortunately, your motion also showed the world that the UDP is disconnected from the 15,187 voters and the TRUE POWER has now rightfully fallen back to where it always was: with the public participating in governance and politics…it seems like the UDP didn't think about that, Alden!

The truth of the matter is Mr. Alden the motion had no chance of being passed, also there is another fact that you should know the UDP will win the next election. The numbers are in their favour, unfortunately the 2003 status grants sealed the fate of these islands and gave the political power to the UDP. Sad to say but this is the reality of the situation, Caymanians just don't have the numbers anymore..oops let me re-phrase that "Established Caymanians" does not seem quite right, how about this "Caymanians with DNA to Terra Firma" are no longer in the majority and won't be again until maybe the next 2 generations.

DId anyone listen radio last night? i think we better ask the Youth parliment to debate as Elio John X2 was clueless as to what was happening mark u still have my vote continue to think for yourself Bobo

Nauticalone, you have some facts that everyone should pay attention to. Unfortunately, Mr. Gov. seems to be cowed by the big mac and his 9 small fries. " What a meal!" It is no wonder we are all either over weight or losing weight. People in my bracket are all in the position of wondering when we will get money to buy food. This is the first time in my 60 years that I have to admit that my family and I were better off living in the US, where we paid taxes, than here in my island where we have such a high cost of living that we can barely get enough to eat. There are many nights that my husband and I eat what the UDP members would call snacks, so our disabled daughter can get some nutrition which she badly needs. I do not know if it will ever end and it is breaking my heart because I do not want to ever have to leave Cayman again to survive, but we can live decently in the US off our social security and my daughter's disability, but all that does not even cover our expenses for a full month. In the meantime, the UDP members are all either have drivers and personal security, and i will bet they do not have to wonder if 200.00 can buy groceries for 2 weeks.

I've heard so many citizens of this country say "I'm not a party supporter". Well, if everyone votes in the election according to their conscience, instead of voting "straight" (as we're always told to vote – by both parties) then we may end up with a coalition government which will force them to work together and keep an eye on each other.

More work permits for foreigners and millionaires. Raise electric rates a little higher. Sell all government & Crown property.Raise Gasoline prices some more. That’s what the UDP stands for. We have to fight back.

why do people keep saying that this motion was a waste of time?…it's like saying having the opposition in the la is a waste of time because they haven't got enough votes……..

.No confidence motions are held all time in other countires…..i think this one was very important as we now know once and for all the the other spinless members of the udp are now doomed to failure in their polictical careers….. a blind man can see that mckeeva bush is not fit to run the country……..

13:06 Da wha dey get, they baked the pie, all for them selves,but someone else eating it. I cannot want to imagine what PPM would have done having the opportunity to eat this pie that they baked thinking all about themselves. But you wait, just give them the chance to run this country Talk about depression now, just wait and see. They been there , they did that,sdo why the He*&^%ll, should they get to finish us off for the sake of Power.

Hmmm that is probably why Alden is so quite about the imperfections of our constitution. He knows the problem and knows how to fix it, but rather I think he wants this constitution to exist and can't wait for election to some, so he will get his turn of power. I think none of the politicians have the people interest at heart. It is either the party's interest or some developer's.

Wikipedia – An oxymoron (plural oxymorons or oxymora) (from Greek ὀξύμωρον, "sharp dull") is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. "Didn't thought", therefore, is indeed an oxymoron since one can remember what wasthought or not thought and one can think or not think but one cannot possibly "didn't thought", which is also a shamefull and "grammatically incorrect" misuse of the English language. If you don't believe me just ask the moron at the top.

I find it amazing that in these times when the LA and country has so much work to do that the Leader of Opposition is forcing the house to waste time to debate a motion that he himself says is "was doomed to failure even before it began".

Come on guys, both sides, we need jobs out here, we need someone to deal with crime and guns, we need someone to deal with our education system, we need someone to deal with international issues, we need someone to deal with environmental issues, fix the cruise docks, fix our tourism, fix our social services…..and you are wasting time debating something that is "doomed to failure" just to make headlines?? What would you do about the crime?

Come on Alden. Make some suggestions and help move us out of this situation. I agree you are Opposition and just have to oppose but unless you come up with solutions I am not going to vote for you either. Every other country the opposition is putting forward ideas. Lets hear some ideas as well. Dont waste our money like this.

12.33 I see the motion purely as an opportunity for the country to understand all the facts about the mismanagement of the UDP. I guess everyone knows that the UDP clowns will stick with their leader just like sheep to the slaughter.

Well we always knew PPM didnt have the votes to carry the motion so i not sure what mr. leader was really trying to do with all of this thing. I just never realise that it was the job of the speaker to represent the sitting govt and disrupt in the debates in defence of the govt. let them all debate the issues facing this country and get it out they system.

Cayman needs to accept the facts because the more we try to hide the truth by making up rules the more obvious it all becomes. all those who cant do they jobs properly and hide behind fancy titles and bodyguards and playing games, pretending to love god and be christians needs to go in next election

let me see if i got this right – The Opposition have been told by Madam Speaker that they cannot mention a "Criminal Investigation" during the meeting of Cayman's Parliament into Premier Bush on the "Stan Tomas affair" eventhough there is an open and active investigation into this matter by the Police (RCIP) which has been confirmed by Governpr Duncan Taylor????

Is Madam Speaker inferring or trying to suggest that the RCIP are not real police responsibile enough to investigate real criminal conduct which leads to a "Criminal Investigation"????

I appreciate that you may not or you may have studied Constitutional Law. But under Constituional Law there are some canons called "Convetiions of the Constitution". You can read up on these in Professor DeSmith "Constitutional Law". and Erskine May on Parliamentary Procedures.Some specific conventions relates to the House of Commons and the House of Lords(westminster styled Constition)

(1)The house is free to regulate its own Proceedings. It means no outside security can come into the Legislative Assembly to arrest a member while he is doing his constitutional duty. ( the sergeant at arms can move an unruly member only for that particular session on instruction of the Speaker)

(2) Nothing done inside the House can be impeached or questioned in any house or place outside Parliament. It means they have absolute priveledge when speaking or debating in the House.They cannot be sued for things done and said while performing their duties in the House.

The House can determine who comes or goes into its precinct

If you so disposed to, you may look up the case of Stockdale V Hansard (1840) and read up some good information on the powers and priviledges of Parliament. No police can investigate what is said or done within the walls of Parliament. OF couse if Sedition or the plotting of a insurrection against the Crown would be another matter.

In other words the police cannot investigate the ordinary business of the Parliament

So what's your point? The premier is under criminal investigation "outside the house", ie by the police, The premier may even have to "go to the woodshed." Speaker can call it a duck but if it has a curly tail and goes oink it's probably a pig no matter what she says.

McMeeva Bush Cannot be pushed out of office by anything other than a no confidence motion of the majority in the House or an election.Even if there is a no confidence motion ,he has the option of calling an election and if successful he would go right back in . His party members in the House will not, read my writing, "will not vote against him" and election is not until 2 years time , so live with it. No line drawn in the sand by Alden will change this. I do appreciate that if he is found guilty in a court of law of a serious crime he can be asked to step down by the Governor. But not by rumourmongering.

Okay, fine, I'll start it. What is needed to start this referendum? Are there enough electors and voters that would support this referendum if it got started?

According to the Elections Office website, there are currently 15,187 voters, and by district there are only the following amount that we would need to focus on to support this referendum:

George Town – 5,920
West Bay – 3,694
Bodden Town – 3,458
Sister Islands – 969
East End – 584
North Side – 562.

I am a registered voter in West Bay, but I am still reeling from the unceremonious treatment and being ignored by our elected officials that we just don't expect in a civilised society. Since it appears that there would be huge support for this referendum because he is not keeping the general public informed of what is happening and is basically treating us voters like garbage, my priority right now is to find out if this will not be a futile task to embark on.

Facts: PPM left the country in a massive debt due to mismanagement of funds and failed projects.

The UPD has in two years gotten the countries financial standing back to a surplus as compared to the massive debt that was incurred at the time the UDP took office.

Alden Mclaughlin so far as proposed myriads of criticism about the government and his governance, can anyone recall any proposition for prosperity, has he offered any alternative to the Premier decisions.

Say we supported the no confidence and put the PPM and Alden as head of goverment business, can you feel comfortable that he will make better financial decisions than he previously did. The country have suffered a few lawsuits because of the school fiasco that he proposed. What if he was placed in the position to make a decisoin that will affect the country and a wider economical scale. THINK PEOPLE, dont just look at th NOW, you have to step back and analyze the situation as a whole and not in parts.

Alden cries is simply politically based all in the hope of stepping into the Premiers Role, but what will he do when he has gotten there if he has. Has he made any public declaration of solutions as he has made complains.

THE PROBLEM I HAVE IS WITH PEOPLE WHO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE RAIN, WE NEED SOME POLITICIANS TO BUILD ARKS TO WEATHER THE RAIN. LET US STOP GIVING POINTS TO POLITICIANS WHO CRITICIZE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT ABOUT RAINY DAYS, BUT GIVE POINTS TO THOSE WHO BUILD ARKS. LET US BUILD SOME ARKS.

"taking us out" yeah buddy, they're killin' us, gradually, with toxic CUC bills and taxes. they even have some of us believing they're not causing more damage. Since they're YOUR "party", you think you could ask them to do something about the out of control crime on our beautiful island since they got elected? Or maybe the number of Government level investigations and probes that are taking place? Oh, and would you PLEASE ask them to stop accusing the PPM of putting the country in debt while refusing to provide proper accounts to prove it, please?

"Facts: PPM left the country in a massive debt due to mismanagement of funds and failed projects."

This is back up by what records, audits,reciepts, or anything? There has been NO records of what and how much debt, where it went, what it was spent on,how much is left etc. for the last 6 years. Still amazing that Caymanians call whatever comes out of the mouths of so called leadership is called fact when it has been allready proven it is anything but. No wonder that a man like McKeeva Bush still has belivers. Its not him. Its people like you. he tells you he is working hard for his money and you still belive him. Its almost unbelivable but having lived in Cayman I can see how it works. Still hard to belive in this day and age.

Alden, thank you for speaking just what's on the country's mind and standing up to a autocrat that only cares about money and has no clue on crime & public safety. Because UDP has done nothing on crime, we will be put on the diplomatic watch list of countries to by pass. UDP will have a more serious problem with no tourist arrivals.

All Talk and No action. Its what makes Cayman Cayman. If there is to be any action it won't be by any Caymanians.Talk Talk Talk Cry Cry Cry Whine Whine Whine.Blame Blame Blame. OK nuff work for today. I have earned my money. Repeat again tomorrow. And the day after. And the day after. And the day after. Until its all gone. And the real rulers of Cayman reclaim what is theirs.

Good Job Alden, I know that none of those spineless bunch under Macdinejad would have crossed the aile and join the opposition party and the independent member on this no confidence motion. I don't understand how they can sit there and watch their beloved leader breaking the laws, and not following the procedures that are put in place to guide the Government? And how can anyone sit down and support a leader that interferes with their ministry without their knowledge as he please? Well I guess they are like him, XXXX. Well they would just have to go down with their Captain Mac in his leaking Ship. Then we would see them waving their White Flags from a distance, then it is to late, they had their chance to get off that sinking ship, and now their gone.

No, that full-page advert was the best humor I had read in a long time! Wow, whoever "proofed" that must be really embarassed.

Someone please tell Big Mack that scarcasm is difficult to deliver in the written text. When Mac said, "So you can fault me for all this….blah, blah" (he was missing the ??? question marks that wold have added the sarcasm) **I screamed out loud, Oh YES we can!!! it was too funny. That rant in the newspaper backfired big time and only made our Premier look petty. Please, someone give this man a decent PR person with some guts to stop his embarassing rants (in writing at least, it shows his lack of education). His speeches, well…as they say, that is another kettle of fish.

I have to agree it seems you're using a needle to husk a coconut Alden, God almighty and the majority of the Cayman voting public are on your side. Compared to Mac's puppets that is most certainly a majority. McKeeva WILL fall and if his puppets unimaginably insist on supporting him through this then it is most definitely better that ALL of them fall along with him when he does.

The opposition leader is such an angel looking for a halo,but forgetting that his sins will take a long time to blot out. Cry down as he may but the three schools that will now be built on the back of the people and through the UDP strong efforts,will remain on the books of many and will deny him his name on one of them. The op leader should stop looking for glory but rather look for ways to show the people that he genuinely cares about this country by telling the public what his solutions are to remedy the economical woes he commenced when he was not even the leader of these islands.

People of the cayman island beware of wolves in sheeps clothing, they only had an acumen to spend are protesting spending and if reelected will spend incessantly again. Woe Be Tide.t

People of Cayman beware of wolves in TWO-Party clothing, they will BOTH gobble you up and get fat on your skin.

UDP or PPM either way, we are too small to have party politics. We need MEN, not mottos & manifestos!

Just look at our Caribbean Cousins who fell prey to this type of governing. Has it done them ANY good for the past twenty years? No, it caused corruption and the trickle of money that went to the masses has soley been used to keep people poor and uneducated and still hoping for better.

Cayman, wake up! Elect people, not parties. MLAs of different backgrounds got the job done in the past becasue they HAD to work together, they had to report back to the community.

Political Parties = Pain and the sooner we realize that following them is foolish, the better we will be!

This is not about who gets to replace the Leader. We all know this motion has no chance to be passed because of the majority in the LA are UDP. The motion was filed anyway to complel UDP to answer for their actions, to give a public explanation and accounting for their actions to-date on a number of things that have gone off-track, the people who elected them, deserve to hear their this at the very least. Do you get it now? Nice try at trying to change the subject, typical UDP response, distract others from the real issues at hand.

ANYTHING is better that what we nowhave! A despotic, demagogue of a Premier who claims "substance over process" What? I'll do what I want, damn the law, damn parlimentary process, damn the governor, and damn Her Majesty the Queen! That may be the way to run a banana republic, but it's no way to run a modern decocratic country. I have no doubt the man has good intentions, but his lack of education, his leadership style, his temper, his inability to hold his tongue, his rashness, his unstatesman like conduct, and most of all his arrogance — his blatent and unabashed arrogance — makes him incompatible with the role of Premier. Mr. Bush is a leader of the past. His time in far spent, and there is little remaining.

Tell them like it is, Alden, even though you, the rest of the PPM and the Independent are the lone voices in the wilderness, press on with the debate and the motion, so that the country will have a chance to hear the UDP come up with ingenious reasons to explain why they do what they do. The entire UDP by their vote will show whose interests they really have at heart, the country's, or their own party. And if they cast their vote to support party politics, they cannot go back and make excuses for themselves to their constituents – so they better enjoy it while it lasts, because they sure won't be coming back after the next election. Utter disappointment they have turned out to be, my family and I really had better expectations of them, and are surprised at some of the individuals in that party who we thought had better sense and were really there to serve their country.